Cup Sleeve Holder Apparatus

ABSTRACT

A cup holder sleeve comprising a substantially flat continuous elongated band forming a hollow tube. The band comprises a top edge in an arcuate form and a bottom edge in an arcuate form. Each band edge being concentric with and parallel to each other. The tube having a circumference and at least one moveable tab located on the top edge of the band. The band further comprises a top part and a bottom part. The bottom part comprises an arcuate form having a crown. The band lies in a first plane and the tab lies in a second plane. The tab further comprises hinge means on the bottom part for facilitating the movement of the tab between a first position and a second position. The first plane is coplanar with the second plane when the tab is in the first position and the first plane is non-coplanar with the second plane when the tab is in the second position. The crown is adjacent to the cup when the tab is in the first position and the crown is in contact with the cup when the tab is in the second position thereby limited the movement of the tab from the second position to the first position.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/850,226 filed Feb. 11, 2013.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a cup sleeve holder for use with a hotor cold beverage drinking cup. In particular, the invention relates to atubular band preferably made out of recyclable material such ascorrugated paper which fits snugly around the circumference of adrinking cup. The band comprises at least two tabs located on oppositesides of the top edge of the band. When the sleeve is mounted on the cupand is being held, the weight of the cup and its contents produces anupward force against each of the tabs which in turn produces ahorizontal force against the sidewall of the cup. The sidewall of thecup in turn produces an opposite horizontal force against the tabstructure which stabilizes and holds the tabs in a substantiallyhorizontal position radially outwardly from the cup to form a ledge forresting on the top edge of a user's finger. The tabs provide a simple,comfortable, stable and strong support for holding the cup whiledrinking a hot beverage.

Drinking cups are a ubiquitous product in the beverage industry.Billions of cups are sold annually throughout the world. It is common touse drinking cups made out of Styrofoam, paper products and the like,especially for restaurants, convenience stores and fast food shops.While Styrofoam cups continue to be very popular, the cup industryincreasingly produces and sells paper cups due to environmental concernssince Styrofoam does not biodegrade as quickly as paper. One of thedisadvantages of using a paper cup is that its thermal insulatingproperties is far less efficient than a Styrofoam cup. One's fingers canbe easily burned when using a paper coffee cup without additionalprotection. This significant disadvantage spawned the development ofwhat is known in the art as a “cup sleeve” which is customarily made outof a corrugated paper product in the shape of a tubular sleeve or bandwhich fits snugly around the cup. The sleeve comprises insulatingproperties such as annular grooves, vertical flutes or multiple nubbinsand depressions interspersed about the inside wall of the sleeve facingthe cup sidewall which gives some protection from the heat transferenceof the contents of the cup. Notwithstanding this improvement, theinsulating properties of the corrugated sleeves shown in the prior artfail to adequately protect the user from being burned or at leastfeeling the hot liquid especially from a fresh cup of coffee which cancause the user to spill or drop the cup.

The prior art has attempted to address the disadvantages of thecorrugated paper sleeves. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,425,497 and U.S.Pat. No. 5,826,786 show a band of paper material with a plurality ofnubbins and depressions dispersed along the inner and outer side of theband. U.S. Pat. No. 5,205,473 discloses a paper band with a flutedstructure disposed along the outside of the band which helps protect theuser's hand and fingers from the heat transfer of the hot liquid. U.S.Pat. No. 5,669,553 discloses a cup sleeve with a plurality of concentricring like bands which are aligned and connected to one above the otherso as to form a unitary sleeve by peripheral ridges extending from thebottom edge of one band to the top edge of the next adjacent band. Whilethese bands may offer some insulation from the heat transference of thecup contents to the cup, they still do not offer an effective insulatedproduct to protect the user from a hot beverage.

Another disadvantage of using a paper cup containing a hot liquid isthat the user has a tendency to grip the sides of the cup with lesspressure than is normally used because the cup is hot. As a way ofavoiding the hot cup surface, a user may hold the cup with the last oneor two fingers of their cup-holding-hand in order to support the bottomof the cup to provide additional stability so that the cup need not beheld as tightly as normally required so as to avoid the hot surface.Even with the use of a cup sleeve as shown in the prior art, thisproblem is not alleviated since the insulating qualities of the sleevesare not sufficiently adequate to protect the user from all of the heattransference of the contents of the cup. Either the sleeve is not thickenough or the material does not have sufficient insulating qualities toprotect the user from feeling the leat from the hot liquid.

The prior art has attempted to correct the aforementioned disadvantagesby providing a cup sleeve with finger holders to provide additionalstability. U.S. Patent 2010/0200603 shows a band which has protrusionsextending horizontally from the band which are used to support a finger.These protrusions are very small and can tear or bend easily whenholding the cup thereby causing the cup to loose stability and fall outof the user's hand.

Consequently, there is a need for a cup sleeve which not only permitsone to drink while comfortably holding a full cup of hot liquid, butalso aids in preventing any spillage of the cup's contents by providinga sturdy holding and gripping structure which will protect the user'sfingers and hands from the heat of the cup's contents.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, these and other problems areovercome by providing a cup holder sleeve comprising a substantiallyflat continuous elongated band forming a hollow tube. The band comprisesa top edge in an arcuate form and a bottom edge in an arcuate form. Eachband edge being concentric with and parallel to each other. The tube hasa circumference and at least one moveable tab is located on said topedge of said band. The tab comprises a top part and a bottom part. Thebottom part comprises an arcuate form having a crown. The band lies in afirst plane and the tab lies in a second plane. The tab furthercomprises hinge means on the bottom part for facilitating the movementof the tab between a first position and a second position. The firstplane is coplanar with the second plane when the tab is in the firstposition and it is non-coplanar with the second plane when the tab is inthe second position. The crown is adjacent to the cup when said tab isin the first position and the crown is in contact with the cup when thetab is in the second position thereby limited the movement of the tabfrom the second position to the first position.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a cup holder sleeve isused with a cup having a tubular sidewall, the sidewall having acircumference, a top end and a bottom end. The sleeve comprises asubstantially flat continuous elongated band comprising a top edge in anarcuate form and a bottom edge in an arcuate form which are concentricto and parallel with each other. At least one moveable tab is located onthe top edge of the band. The tab comprises a top part and a bottompart. The band further comprises two opposite ends which are spacedapart and distal from one another. Connecting means are on one end ofthe band to attach one end to the other end to form a hollow continuoustubular member to facilitate mounting the member to the cup. The bottompart comprises an arcuate convex form facing the top end of the cup andthe arcuate form comprises a crown. The band has a circumference alongsaid top edge and lies in a first plane. The tab lies in a second plane.Hinge means is located on the bottom part for facilitating the movementof the tab between an open position and a closed position. The saidfirst plane and said second plane are coplanar with each other when thetab is in the open position and non-coplanar with each other when thetab is in the closed position.

In a third embodiment of the invention a portable cup holder comprises aband having a top and a bottom configured so that the bottom of the bandlies in a single plane when the band surrounds a cup. The top of theband is curved prior to inserting a cup into the band and includes atleast one tab having a bottom and a top and extending upward from aposition on the top of the band and an upwardly curved line along saidbottom of said tab, before the cup is inserted into the band.

In a fourth embodiment of the present invention a cup holder comprises acup having a tubular sidewall lying in a plane. The cup has acircumference, a top end and a bottom end. At least one tab extendsupward and lies in a plane which is coplanar with the cup sidewallplane. The tab has an upper edge and a bottom edge. The bottom edge hasan arcuate form which is convex facing towards the top end of the cup.The arcuate form comprises a crown. The tab extends in a verticaldirection in a first position wherein the tab is closed and is coplanarwith the cup sidewall plane. The tab extends in a non vertical directionin a second position wherein the tab is opened and noncoplanar with thecup sidewall plane. The bottom edge comprises means for facilitating themovement of the tab from said closed position to the open position. Thebottom edge extends in a compound curve outwardly to conform to theshape of the cup and the arcuate form extends upward toward the top endof the cup opening along a convex shaped line with respect to the topend. The crown is adjacent to the cup sidewall when the tab is in thefirst position and the crown is in contact with the cup sidewall whenthe tab is in the second position thereby limiting the movement of thetab towards the first position.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will be made apparent from the following detailed descriptionof the preferred embodiments, the appended claims and with reference tothe accompanying drawing. In the drawing, the same reference numbers areused to identify similar elements in the various embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an elevational cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is an elevational cross sectional view taken along line 4-4 ofFIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an elevational cross sectional view taken along line 7-7 ofFIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an elevational view of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an elevational view of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is an elevational view of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a partial cross sectional elevational view of the presentinvention shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 12 is a partial cross sectional elevational view of the presentinvention;

FIG. 13 is partial elevational view of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 15 is an elevational cross sectional view of the present inventionalong line 15-15 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the presentinvention shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is an elevational cross-sectional end view of the thirdembodiment of the present invention along line 17-17 of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a chart comparing average weight, tab size and 3.375″ radius;

FIG. 19 is a chart comparing average weight, tab size and 2.875″ radius;

FIG. 20 is a chart comparing average weight, tab size and 2.375″ radius;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the of a fourth embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional elevational view of the fourth embodimentof the present invention along line 22 of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is an elevational view of the fourth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 24 is an elevational view of the fourth embodiment of the presentinvention; and,

FIG. 25 is a partial elevational view of the fourth embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A detailed description of the preferred embodiment and best mode forpracticing the invention are described herein. While the presentinvention is described in greater detail relative to the encloseddrawings in which the preferred method of practicing the presentinvention are shown, it should be acknowledged that persons skilled inthe relevant arts may modify certain aspects of the invention hereindescribed while still arriving at the same positive conclusions withregards to this invention. Consequently, the following description isintended to be a general, instructive disclosure and is not intended tobe restrictive upon the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of cup 1 beingheld in hand 53. For illustrative purposes only, cup 1 contains hotliquid 50 such as coffee or the like. Cup 1 comprises top end 36,tubular sidewall 34 and bottom end 37. Cup 1 is shown with asubstantially flat continuous and elongated band or sleeve 2 whichpreferably comprises paper pulp material which is compressed into asemi-rigid product which is comfortable to the touch, absorbent toliquid spills and inexpensive to manufacture. The composition of thematerial of sleeve 2 is not, however, restricted to a paper product andcan be also made out of any material that is suitable to form a flexibleband around a cup. For example, plastic material such as insulatingfoam, a rigid molded plastic or a wood composite material will beadequate. When sleeve or portable cup holder 2 is made into its finalform it comprises hollow tube 3. (FIG. 6) The band has a top edge 4 anda bottom edge 7 which are each in arcuate form 5 and 8, respectively.(FIG. 8) Prior to inserting a cup into the open sleeve 2, the band istubular in shape. Top edge 4 has a circumference 6 which extendscompletely around cup 1 when the sleeve 2 is mounted on cup 1. Top edge4 and bottom edge 7 are concentric to and parallel with each other.Sleeve 2 is manufactured in the form of a flat continuous elongated bandas shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9. Sleeve 2 comprises two opposite ends 38and 39 respectively, which are distal from one another. These ends areattached to one another during the manufacturing process by applying asuitable adhesive material 40 at one or both of ends 38 or 39.Additional adhesive dollops 56 may be applied to inside surface 57 ofsleeve 2 which when softened by the heat of the contents of the cup willadhere the sleeve to the cup thereby preventing the sleeve from slippingdownward.

Top edge 4 of sleeve 2 comprises at least one moveable tab 10 extendingupward from a position on top edge 4 of sleeve 2 which facilitatesholding cup 1. Tab 10 provides added stability and protection from theheat of the hot liquid in the cup which can nevertheless heat the sleeveto an unacceptable temperature for the user. FIG. 1 shows two tabs 10located at opposite sides of sleeve 2. It has been found that sleeves inthe prior art perform the only function at best of moderately protectingthe user's hands from the hot liquid in the cup. Further, the prior artsleeves do not provide secure and comfortable support for holding a fullcup of hot coffee. In the subject matter of the present invention, tab10 provides a stable comfortable support which significantly reducesheat transference from the liquid to the user.

Referring to FIG. 10, tab 10 comprises top part 12 and bottom part 13which is below the top part 12. Bottom part 13 has an arcuate line orform 14 which is upwardly curved with crown 24 along bottom part 13 oftab 2 before cup 1 is inserted into sleeve 2, which is the key to thedesign innovation of the present invention and which has providedsurprisingly, an effective, yet unobvious result to solve theaforementioned disadvantages in the prior art. Crown 24 is the top mostpart of arcuate form 14. Tab 10 is configured so that upon insertion ofthe cup, having a sidewall circumferential size corresponding to thesleeve size, tab 10 is articulated from a closed flat position whichlies coplanar in sleeve plane 15, to an operative position which lies inplane 16 outward or non-coplanar from sleeve plane 15. Line 14 curvescircumferentially along the same circumference of cup 1. Line 14 furtherextends upward toward the mouth 29 of sleeve 1 opening along a convexcurve 31 with respect to the sleeve opening when viewed elevationally.When tab 10 is in its closed position (FIG. 6) bottom part 13 extendsradially in a compound curve 30 from the cup and in a convex directionto the top edge 4. This structure causes tab 10 to resist folding backto the open first position 18 by virture of the engagement of crown 24with cup sidewall 45.

Sleeve 2 lies in first plane 15 and tab 10 lies in second plane 16.Referring to FIG. 2, tab 10 comprises hinge means 17 which is located onarcuate form 8 of bottom part 13 of tab 10 for movement between firstposition 18 wherein first plane 15 is coplanar with second plane 16 andsecond position 20 (FIG. 11 and FIG. 12) wherein first plane 15 is noncoplanar with second plane 16 and the movement of tab 10 from secondposition 20 to first position 15 is limited due to crown 24 of arcuateform 8 of bottom part 13 of tab 10 being adjacent to, in contact withand urging against sidewall 34 of cup 1. In the preferred embodimenthinge means 17 comprises the folded corrugated material along arcuateform 8 which is sufficiently sturdy enough to keep its integrity duringmany movements.

Referring to FIG. 6 top part 12 of tab 10 substantially conforms toarcuate form 14 of bottom part 13 when tab 10 is in second position 20as viewed elevationally. Further, first plane 15 is non-coplanar tosecond plane 16 when tab 10 is in second position 20.

Referring to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, a partial cut away view of sleeve 2and the cup sidewall 34 is shown. In FIG. 11, tab 10 is shown in itssecond position 20. Sleeve sidewall 55 rests adjacent cup sidewall 45with minimal force or pressure at the moment before the cup is held bythe user. Sleeve 2 is held up against cup wall 45 by a friction fit.When the cup is held, a vertical upward force is exerted against tab 10.Referring to FIG. 12, this force causes crown 24 of tab 10 to moveupward and transversely towards and in contact with sidewall 45 therebycreating a force against sidewall 45. In response to this force,sidewall 45 exerts an opposite force against crown 24 which prevents tab10 from moving vertically upward toward its first position 18. Thestrength of the force exerted against crown 24 is sufficient to hold tab10 stationary to provide a strong and stable support.

Mounting sleeve 2 to cup 1 is an easy process. Sleeve 2 is opened toform a tube or first opening 41. Opening 41 is of a size and diameterwhich will accommodate the insertion of cup 1 into and through tube 3until circumference 6 of top edge 4 of sleeve 2 substantially equalscircumference 35. Because the typical coffee cup is tapered, theinsertion of sleeve 2 will stop when the size of the circumference ofsleeve 2 and first opening 41 are equal. After cup 1 is inserted throughopening 41, crown 24 is adjacent to cup 1 when tab 10 is in the closedor first position 18. When tab 10 is moved downward towards its secondor open position 20, crown 24 comes in contact with sidewall 34 therebylimiting movement of tab 10 to move from the second non-coplanarposition to the first coplanar position.

The subject matter of the present invention has been surprisingly andeffectively found to function very well and to comfortably and safelysupport a full large cup of coffee. Experimental testing of thestructure of the present invention proves that the design andfunctionality of the present invention works exceedingly well. In thetesting, a cup was mounted to a sleeve comprising two tabs attached atopposite sides to the sleeve. The tabs of the cup were mechanicallysupported to simulate a person holding the cup and also to avoidnon-uniformity in supporting forces for each test. Various weights, inincreasing increments, from 10 oz in weight to 80 oz in weight wereadded to the inside of the cup to determine the failure rate of the tabswhich is when the tabs would fail to hold in place. The failure rate wasequal to the vertical upward force necessary to overcome the horizontalforce of the cup sidewall exerted against the crown which prevents thecrown from from moving and causing the tabs to fail in their supportfunction. It was found that a normal large coffee cup which holds 16 floz weights approximately 17 oz. In the test, with a tab size of 3.25inches in length, the tab using the sleeve of the present invention canadequately support a weight of approximately 75 oz, which is more thanthree time the weight of a 16 fl oz of coffee before the tabs reachedtheir failure weight. Referring to FIG. 18, FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, thevariations of the radi±25 of each tab bottom part 13 used in the test,from 2.375 inches, to 3.375 inches, did not substantially affect thestrength of the variously sized tabs used in the testing. It was found,however, that the longer the tab length of top part 12, the greater theweight that tab 10 could support. For example, a small tab of 1.5 inchescould barely hold a half of cup of coffee before failure, while a tablength of 3.125 inches supported a cup weight of over three times theweight of a cup with liquid weighing 17 oz. This test data verifies thefunctionality of the present invention and proves that the use of a tabof at least 2.5 inches and an arcuate radius 25 of at least 2.375 incheswill safely support a full cup of coffee without failing by a facture of2. Further, it was found that an optimal length of tab comprisesapproximately ¼ of the length of the circumference of the sleeve formaximum effectiveness, although somewhat longer or shorter tab lengthsstill provide sufficient strength and support to maintain the safesupport of the cup. Additionally, more than 2 tabs can be used toincrease comfort, safety and stability if desired.

Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 8 and FIG. 10, bottom part 13 extends in acompound curve outwardly to conform to the shape of cup 1. Arcuate form8 of bottom edge 7 extends upward in a convex curve 29 towards thedirection of top end 46 of cup 1 due to the shape of arcuate form 14 ofbottom part 13.

Additional structure may be added to tab 10 in the form of a locking tab22 (FIG. 3, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5) which in addition to crown 24 willprevent tab 10 from failing, i.e., moving from the second or openposition 20 towards the first or closed position 19. The use of crown 24and locking tab 22 need not be used together, but can be used exclusiveof one another. Top part 12 of tab 10 conforms to the shape of arcuateform 8 of bottom part 13 when tab 10 is located is the second position20 and extends upward in a convex curve towards the direction of the topend 46 of cup 1.

As shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, at least one triangularly shapedflap 22 or locking tab is attached to tab 10, although the use of fourflaps is preferred. Tab 10 comprises two edges, first edge 90 and secondedge 91. Flap 22 comprises hinge 23 which is attached to tab edge 90 andfirst edge 91, and support or second edge 59 which is not attached totab 10. Flap 22 is able to move between a first position which iscoplanar with tab 10 and a second position which is non-coplanar withtab 10. When tab 10 is in its second position 20 (FIG. 3), each flap 22may be folded at approximately a perpendicular angle to tab 10 so thatedge 59 is contiguous to cup sidewall 34. This configuration allowssecond edge 59 to limit the movement of tab 10 towards or against cup 1when tab 10 is in the closed position 20. Flap 22 acts as a brace toprevent tab 10 from moving further upwardly towards its first position18 against cup sidewall 34. Locking tab 22 can be easily andinexpensively manufactured to provide additional stabilizingfunctionality to tab 20 if desired.

A second embodiment of the subject matter of the present invention isdisclosed in FIG. 14. A cup 85 is shown having a tubular sidewall 82.Sidewall 82 lies in plane 64 and has a circumference 87, top end 83 andbottom end 81. A cup holder or tab 60 is integral with and embeddedwithin the cup sidewall 82. Tab 60 is attached to cup sidewall 82 andextends upward and is coplanar with the sidewall plane 64. Tab 60 has anupper edge or top part 62 and a bottom edge or bottom part 61. Bottomedge 61 has an arcuate form or line 63. Tab 60 extends upward in a firstposition 67 wherein the tab is closed and coplanar with the plane of thesidewall 64 of cup 60 and articulates downwardly to a second position 69(FIG. 16) wherein tab 60 is open and non-coplanar with plane 64 of thecup sidewall 82. Arcuate form 63 curves with the curvature of cupsidewall 82 to become circular when view axially. When viewedelevationally, arcuate form 63 extends upward toward top end 83 of thecup 85 opening along a convex curved line alone arcuate form 63 withrespect to top part or end 62. Tab 60 extends in a compound curveoutwardly from cup 85 so that upper edge or top part 62 is convex whenviewed elevationally whereby crown 93 of bottom part 61 is configured toresist folding back to the closed flat and coplanar position by virtureof its engagement with sidewall 82 of cup 85. Additionally, crown 93moves towards and engages with cup sidewall 82 whereby the movement oftab 60 is limited towards first position 67 when vertical upwardpressure is applied to tab 60. Tag 48 is provided to assist in grippingtab 60 when tab 60 is coplanar with cup sidewall 82 in order to pull tab60 from first position 67 to its second position 69.

Referring to FIG. 21, there is shown a perspective view of a fourthembodiment of the present invention. For illustrative purposes only, cup100 contains hot liquid 126 such as coffee or the like. Cup 100comprises top end 134, tubular sidewall 138 and bottom end 136. Cup 100is shown in FIG. 23 and FIG. 24 with a substantially flat continuous andelongated band or sleeve 102 which preferably comprises paper pulpmaterial which is compressed into a semi-rigid product which iscomfortable to the touch, absorbent to liquid spills and inexpensive tomanufacture. The composition of the material of sleeve 102 is not,however, restricted to a paper product and can be also made out of anymaterial that is suitable to form a flexible band around a cup. Forexample, plastic material such as insulating foam or a rigid moldedplastic may be used. Further, a wood composite material will also beadequate. When sleeve or portable cup holder 102 is made into its finalform it comprises hollow tube 140. Band 102 comprises top 110 and bottom112 which are each in arcuate form 142 and 144, respectively. (FIG. 25)Prior to inserting a cup into the open sleeve 102, the band is tubularin shape. Band top has a circumference which extends completely aroundcup 100 when the sleeve or band 102 is mounted on cup 100. Top 110 andbottom 112 are concentric to and parallel with each other. Sleeve 102 ismanufactured in the form of a flat continuous elongated band as shown inFIG. 23 and FIG. 24. Sleeve 102 comprises two opposite ends 146 and 148respectively, which are distal from one another. These ends are attachedto one another during the manufacturing process by applying a suitableadhesive material 150 at one or both of the ends.

Top 104 of sleeve 102 comprises several moveable tabs 108 to facilitateholding the cup and protecting one's fingers from the hot contentsbecause even with a conventional band or sleeve of the prior art, theheat of the hot liquid in the cup can nevertheless heat the sleeve to anunacceptable temperature.

Referring to FIG. 25, tab 102 comprises top part 110 and bottom part 112which is below the top part 110. Bottom part 112 of each tab has anarcuate line or form 144 which is upwardly and comprises crown 130 alongbottom arcuate form 144. Tab 108 is configured so that upon insertion ofthe cup, having a sidewall circumferential size corresponding to thesleeve size, tab 102 is articulated or moved from a closed flat positionwhich lies coplanar in sleeve plane 114, to an operative position whichlies in plane 116 outward or non-coplanar from sleeve plane 114 (FIG.21) Line 144 curves circumferentially along the same circumference ofcup sidewall 138 at the position that sleeve 102 is mounted to cup 100.Line 144 further extends upward toward the top 110 a convex curve 130.When tab 108 is in its closed or second position (FIG. 21) bottom part112 extends radially in a compound curve and arcuate bottom 144 extendsin a convex direction 130 to top 134. This structure causes tab 108 toresist folding back to the open or first position 120 by virture of thecontact of sidewall 138 with crown 124.

Referring to FIGS. 23, 24 and 25, at least one tab 108 is formed on top104 by cutting slits 128 and 130 to form the outline of tab 108. Tab 108is pulled downwardly to form tab 108 which articulates about hinges 118.Tab 108 comprises hinges 118 which are located along arcuate bottom form144 of bottom part 112 of tab 108 for movement between first position120 wherein first plane 114 is coplanar with second plane 116 and secondposition 122 (FIG. 22) wherein first plane 114 is non-coplanar withsecond plane 116 and the movement of tab 108 from second position 122 tofirst position 114 is limited due to crown 124 of arcuate bottom form144 of bottom 112 of tab 108 being adjacent to, in contact with andurging against sidewall 138 of cup 100. In the preferred embodiment thehinges 118 comprise the folded corrugated material along arcuate bottomform 144 which is sufficiently sturdy enough to keep its integrityduring many movements.

Other embodiments and variation of the cup lid in keeping with thepresent invention may be realized, without departing from the spirit andscope of the appended claims. Although the present invention has beendescribed in considerable detail with reference to certain preferredembodiments hereof, other embodiments or versions of the invention arepossible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims shouldnot be limited to the description of the preferred versions containedtherein. Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “meansfor” performing a specified function, is not to be interpreted as a“means” claim as specified in 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which arefiled concurrently with this specification and which are open to publicinspection with this specification and the contents of all such papersand documents are incorpo-rated herein by reference. All featuresdisclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims,abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative fea-tures servingthe same, equivalent or similar purposes, unless expressly statedoth-erwise. Unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed isone example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cup holder sleeve comprising: a. asubstantially flat continuous elongated band forming a hollow tube; b.said band comprises a top having an arcuate form and a bottom having anarcuate form; c. said top and said bottom are concentric with andparallel to each other; d. said tube having a circumference; e. at leastone moveable tab on said band; f. said tab comprising a top and abottom; g. said bottom comprising an arcuate form having a crown; h.said band lies in a first plane; i. said tab lies in a second plane; j.said tab further comprises hinge means on said bottom for facilitatingthe movement of said tab between a first position and a second position;k. said first plane is non-coplanar with said second plane when said tabis in said second position; and l. said crown is adjacent to the cupwhen said tab is in said first position and said crown is in contactwith the cup when said tab is in said second position thereby limitingthe movement of said tab from said second position to said firstposition.
 2. The cup holder sleeve of claim 1 wherein said bottomextends in a compound curve outwardly to conform to the shape of thetube and said arcuate form extends upward in a convex curve.
 3. The cupholder sleeve of claim 2 wherein said top of said tab conforms to theshape of said arcuate form of said bottom when said tab is in saidsecond position and said top extends upward in a convex curve.
 4. Thecup holder sleeve of claim 1 wherein said tab further comprises lockingmeans which limits the movement of said tab from said open positiontowards said closed position.
 5. The cup holder sleeve of claim 4wherein said locking means further comprises at least one flap on saidtab which comprises means for limiting the movement of said tab towardssaid cup.
 6. The cup holder sleeve of claim 5 wherein said locking meansfurther comprises: a. said flap comprises means for movement between afirst position which is coplanar with said tab and a second positionwhich is non-coplanar with said tab; and, b. said flap comprises asupport which limits the movement of said tab towards the cup when saidtab is in said closed position.
 7. A cup holder sleeve for use with acup having a tubular sidewall, the sidewall having a circumference, atop end and a bottom end, and comprising: a. a substantially flatcontinuous elongated band; b. said band comprising a top having anarcuate form and a bottom having an arcuate form which are concentric toand parallel with each other; c. at least one moveable tab located onsaid band; d. said tab comprises a top part and a bottom; e. said bandfurther comprises two opposite ends spaced apart and distal from oneanother; f. connecting means on one end of said band to attach one endto the other end to form a hollow continuous tubular member tofacilitate mounting said member to the cup; g. said bottom comprises anarcuate convex form facing the top end of the cup; h. said arcuate formcomprises a crown; i. said band having a circumference along said topedge; j. said band lies in a first plane; k. said tab lies in a secondplane; l. hinge means on said bottom for facilitating the movement ofsaid tab between an open position and a closed position; m. said firstplane and said second plane are non-coplanar with each other when saidtab is in said closed position; and, n. said crown is adjacent to thecup when said tab is in said first position and said crown is in contactwith the cup when said tab is in said second position thereby limitingthe movement of said tab from said second position to said firstposition.
 8. The cup holder sleeve of claim 7 wherein: a. said tubularmember comprises a first opening; b. said first opening being of a sizeto accommodate the insertion of the cup into and through said tubularmember until said circumference of the top edge of said bandsubstantially equals the cup sidewall circumference; and, c. said crownis adjacent to the cup when said tab is in said first position and saidcrown is in contact with said cup when said tab is in said secondposition thereby limiting the movement of said tab from said secondposition towards said first position.
 9. The cup holder sleeve of claim7 wherein said tab bottom extends in a compound curve outwardly toconform to the shape of the cup and said arcuate form extends upward ina convex curve towards the direction of the top end of the cup.
 10. Thecup holder sleeve of claim 9 wherein said tab top conforms to the shapeof said arcuate form of said bottom when said tab is in said secondposition and extends upward in a convex curve towards the direction ofsaid top end of the cup.
 11. The cup holder sleeve of claim 6 whereinsaid tab further comprises locking means which limits the movement ofsaid tab from said open position towards said closed position.
 12. Thecup holder sleeve of claim 11 wherein said locking means furthercomprises at least one flap on said tab which comprises means forlimiting the movement of said tab towards said cup.
 13. The cup holdersleeve of claim 12 wherein: a. the movement of said flap comprises afirst position which is coplanar with said tab and a second positionwhich is non-coplanar with said tab; and b. said flap comprises asupport which limits the movement of said tab against the cup when saidtab is in said closed position.
 14. A portable cup holder comprising: a.a band having a top and a bottom configured so that the bottom of theband lies in a single plane when the band surrounds a cup; b. the top ofthe band being curved prior to inserting a cup into the band; c. theband including at least one tab having a bottom and a top and extendingupward from a position on the top of the band; and, d. an upwardlycurved line along said bottom of said tab, before the cup is insertedinto the band.
 15. The portable cup holder of claim 14 wherein said tabis configured so that upon insertion of a cup having a sidewall and of asize corresponding to the band size, the tab articulates from a closedflat position which lies in said band plane, to an operative positionwhich lies in a plane outward from said band plane and wherein: i. saidline curves with the cup curvature to become circular; ii. said lineextends upward toward the mouth of the band opening along a convexcurved line with respect to the band opening; and, iii. said tab extendsin a compound curve outwardly from the cup so that its outer perimeteris convex whereby said tab is configured to resist folding back to theclosed flat position by virtue of its engagement with the side wall ofthe cup.
 16. The cup holder sleeve of claim 11 wherein said tab furthercomprises locking means which limits the movement of said tab from saidopen position towards said closed position.
 17. The cup holder sleeve ofclaim 16 wherein said locking means further comprises at least one flapon said tab which comprises means for limiting the movement of said tabtowards said cup.
 18. The cup holder sleeve of claim 17 wherein: a. themovement of said one flap comprises a first position which is coplanarwith said tab and a second position which is non-coplanar with said tab;and, b. said flap comprises a support which limits the movement of saidtab against the cup when said tab is in said closed position.
 19. A cupholder comprising: a. a cup having a tubular sidewall lying in a plane;b. said cup having a circumference, a top and a bottom; c. at least onetab which extends upward and lies in a plane which is coplanar with thecup sidewall plane; d. said tab having an upper edge and a bottom edge;e. said bottom edge having an arcuate form which is convex facingtowards said top end of said cup; f. said arcuate form comprises acrown; g. said tab extends in a vertical direction in a first positionwherein said tab is closed and is coplanar with said cup sidewall plane;h. said tab extends in a non vertical direction in a second positionwherein said tab is opened and noncoplanar with said cup sidewall plane;i. said bottom edge comprises means for facilitating the movement ofsaid tab from said closed position to said open position; j. said bottomedge extends in a compound curve outwardly to conform to the shape ofthe cup and said arcuate form extends upward toward said top end of thecup opening along a convex shaped line with respect to said top end;and, k. said crown is adjacent to said cup sidewall when said tab is insaid first position and said crown is in contact with said cup sidewallwhen said tab is in said second position thereby limiting the movementof said tab towards said first position.
 20. The cup holder of claim 19wherein said tab further comprises a tag for gripping and moving saidtab from its first position to its second position.
 21. The cup holderof claim 19 wherein said tab further comprises locking means whichlimits the movement of said tab from moving from said open positiontowards said closed position.
 22. The cup holder sleeve of claim 21wherein said locking means further comprises at least one flap on saidtab for limiting the movement of said tab towards said cup.
 23. The cupholder sleeve of claim 22 wherein said locking means further comprises:a. said flap comprises means for movement between a first position whichis coplanar with said tab and a second position which is non-coplanarwith said tab; and, b. said flap comprises a support which limits themovement of said tab against the cup when said tab is in said closedposition.
 24. A cup holder sleeve in combination with a cup comprising:a. the cup having a tubular sidewall and said sidewall having acircumference; b. the cup further comprising a top end and a bottom end;c. a substantially flat continuous elongated band; d. said bandcomprising a top in arcuate form and a bottom in arcuate form which areconcentric to and parallel with each other; e. at least one moveable tablocated on said top of said band; f. said tab comprises a top part and abottom part; g. said band further comprises two opposite ends spacedapart and distal from one another; h. connecting means on one end ofsaid band to attach one end to the other end to form a hollow continuoustubular member to facilitate mounting said member to the cup; i. saidbottom part comprising an arcuate convex form facing the top end of thecup; j. said arcuate form comprises a crown; k. said band having acircumference along said top; l. said band lies in a first plane; m.said tab lies in a second plane; n. hinge means on said bottom part forfacilitating the movement of said tab between an open position and aclosed position; o. said first plane and said second plane are coplanarwith each other when said tab is in said open position; and, p. saidfirst plane and said second plane are non-coplanar with each other whensaid tab is in said closed position.
 25. The cup holder of claim 24wherein said tab further comprises locking means which limits themovement of tab from said open position towards said closed position.26. The cup holder sleeve of claim 25 wherein said locking means furthercomprises at least one flap on said tab comprising means for limitingthe movement of said tab towards said cup.
 27. The cup holder sleeve ofclaim 26 wherein said locking means further comprises: a. said flapcomprises means for movement between a first position which is coplanarwith said tab and a second position which is non-coplanar with said tab;and, b. said flap comprises a support which limits the movement of saidtab towards the cup when said tab is in said closed position;